N.W.T. MLAs to hold public meetings on conduct guidelines review

Leaving investigations of Northwest Territories MLAs' conduct to the legislative assembly may not meet public expectations, says the chair of the Rules and Procedures committee.

MLAs take an oath to meet high standards in their personal and public life. They must also abide by a code of conduct. The committee is reviewing the rules that apply to MLAs to see if they're strong enough and how to better enforce them. It released an interim report last week.

"There's no process in place for complaints, for the carrying out of investigations if someone believes that a breach has happened," said Yellowknife MLA Kevin O'Reilly.

"There's no real sanctions that are identified, and certainly I think our report identified that leaving that up to a legislative assembly really may not meet the expectations that people have out there. Certainly in other jurisdictions there are clear complaint processes, even an independent commissioner that might oversee these matters."

O'Reilly said one of the events that prompted the review was Dehcho MLA Michael Nadli's conviction for an assault causing bodily harm on his spouse last fall. He was suspended from the legislature when he was sentenced to jail for the offence.

He was then released from jail after serving eight days — one sixth of his sentence — just in time to register as a candidate in the 2015 election. He ran and was re-elected. 

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"In Nova Scotia if you've been convicted of a serious offence that might lead to jail time of at least five years, even if you serve less than five years, you may be restricted from running for office for up to five years," said O'Reilly.

"In Nunavut, if you've been charged or convicted and you've been removed from the legislative assembly there, or you've resigned as a result of those charges or convictions, you are prevented from running for five years after your successor is elected."

O'Reilly said the territorial government will hold public consultations about MLAs' conduct guidelines in Inuvik, Hay River and Yellowknife at the end of November.